The dresser table transformation phase 3

So with the table portion nicely coated and in its curing stage, it's time to work on the tri-fold mirror. My original intention was to turn the mirror around and spray paint chalkboard paint (yes, it comes in a spray for a nice smooth covering!) and fill the other two side mirrors with cork board. After a long search for a cork board that was both thick enough and big enough to fill the frames. I also intended to use a special artists spray paint that coats such porous materials without a hard 'shell-like' coating so that it remains usable and pinable. BUT, after hitting the restore, I found a great office fibreboard that filled the bill. But paintable? Nope. Wouldn't work with the artists spray and look clean and refreshed. So my studio partner, Catherine, suggested fabric. And what a great idea it was! We chose a designer fabric from Toronto, a large houndstooth woven - not printed - upholstery. It turned out fabulous!

The drawers got a Louboutin inspired colour - which will be 'hidden' in the desk until you open the drawers. Liking the crystal knobs and thinking this is best way to go.

The dresser table transformation phase 2

After much prep, here is phase 2 of the dresser table. I don't like to paint with a paintbrush as you don't get that quality looking smooth finish. So I opted for a new primer and paint in one spray paint by Krylon. A tough acrylic which coats beautifully to a lovely glossy shine. I use my airbrushing skill and technique to evenly coat the wood and take the time to put on 3, even four coats, days apart, to allow for proper drying time between coats. It then sits to cure for 30 days to harden the paint before putting in drawers or remounting hardware. Next phase, the trifold mirror!

The dresser table transformation phase 1

I've had this antique dresser table for nearly 20 years in the garage, waiting to be refinished, the same fate it had from its previous owners but just never happened. After such neglect in a damp garage, this poor peice of furniture needed quite a bit of work, including stripping the veneer and some pretty serious warpage to fix, but still a surprizingly solid peice ('They don't make 'em like they use to!' comes to mind). Paint had already been stripped as much as possible when I first got it, which in hindsight would have saved the veneer from the damage incurred by condensation over the years. But voila! After much elbow grease and patience, this is its state thus far. From a faint possibility to possible potential.

Cracked and peeling veneer stripped, wood filler sanded as smooth as possible but left a few dents and chisel marks as I love the idea of the stories they could tell from the abuse it might have endured over its 92 year lifespan. It was once in high fashion, circa 1921, New York State, when Americans would travel a fair distance to Jacksonville NY to the furniture 'Fair' to get high quality, high fashion furniture (more on that in the next post).

Come back for phase 2 to see how it's coming along!